There are many historical examples of a “perfect storm,” including the tragic fate of “The Andrea Gail” that was lost in the fall of 1991. Several factors contributed to their demise including a broken ice machine that meant they needed to hurry home or their catch of swordfish would spoil. A cold front from the off the eastern coast of the United States created a wave of low pressure that collided with a high-pressure front that came from a Canadian ridge of the Atlantic ocean. The ship was recorded missing officially on October 30, 1991. An emergency beacon of the ship was eventually discovered but the six men on the crew of The Andrea Gail were never seen again.
What is a perfect storm? The Cambridge English definition follows: perfect storm: 1. an extremely bad situation in which many bad things happen at the same time
Storms come in our lives. Some have said that 2020 was “the perfect storm” citing the multiple bad things happening simultaneously: painful political divisions in an election year, senseless deaths that led to riots, racial injustice, and of course COVID-19.
Challenges, trials, and storms will continue to be a part of our lives. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) This weekend we will be studying God’s Word together found in Matthew 8:23-27. We will explore two questions: How can we learn to grow through the storms? The second question is found in Matthew 8:27: “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?”
May God richly bless you this week; I look forward to connecting with you this Sunday online at 9:30 or 11:00!
Peace,
Pastor Cathy